When looking for a Grade A tight end in the 2013 NFL draft class, just think "E." Notre Dame's Tyler Eifert, Stanford's Zach Ertz and San Diego State's Gavin Escobar have solidified themselves as the top three prospects at the position.

While everyone is focused on whether Eifert's teammate, linebacker Manti Te'o, will do enough at Notre Dame's March 26 pro day to become a first-round pick, there's no question Eifert is a first-rounder. He was the reliable rock of the ND offense, helping the team through a shuffle at quarterback, running back and wide receiver.

Despite consistently drawing double-teams, Eifert made key catch after key catch. There's no overthinking here: Your reigning Mackey Award winner for the nation's best tight end also is the best on the board for the NFL draft in April.

1. Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame (6-5 1/2, 250 pounds). Eifert was the most talented player on the national runners-up and projects as a strong all-around player in the NFL. The Irish have sent some good receiving tight ends to the NFL of late—see Vikings teammates John Carlson and Kyle Rudolph. Rudolph emerged as a Pro Bowl talent last season, and Eifert can also get to that level.

2. Zach Ertz, Stanford (6-5, 249). The tight end-needy team that doesn't get Eifert in Round 1 shouldn't fret about Ertz as an excellent fallback option. He's another athletic difference-maker who can add pop and versatility to any passing game. He makes up for concerns about speed with great hands and route-running to consistently move the chains and deliver in the red zone.

3. Gavin Escobar, San Diego State (6-5 7/8, 254). The last of three "E's," Escobar is making a late push to be considered the best. He's a natural, smooth pass catcher, and although there are questions about how he will hold up physically as a receiver, it helps that he has a strong frame with which to work. Look for him to be selected between late first round and middle second round.

4. Vance McDonald, Rice (6-4 1/8, 267). McDonald is the most wideout-like tight end in this year's class. With his speed and quickness, he's better suited to be a slot option in the open field than a traditional in-line player. However, he has the raw skills to round out well at the position.

5. Jordan Reed, Florida (6-2 1/2, 236). Reed has drawn comparisons to New England’s Aaron Hernandez, another former Gators tight end. He's a taller but not as polished version, but teams will like his versatile background, where he can line up in different spots and be effective.

6. Dion Sims, Michigan State (6-4 7/8, 262). Sims showed good mitts and a knack for getting open for the Spartans, but for some reason, they underutilized him in the passing game. He isn't the most fluid player and needs to work on his routes, but his now-leaner body gives him top-flight potential as both a blocker and receiver.

7. Travis Kelce, Cincinnati (6-5, 255). Kelce is battling two things as he tries to solidify his stock—an abdominal injury that has cut into predraft workouts and character concerns tied to his 2010 season-long suspension for violating team rules. He's a sneaky good athlete, however, and teams will need to balance out the other factors with that in mind. Kelce's brother, Jason, is the starting center for the Eagles.

8. Ryan Otten, San Jose State (6-5 1/4, 230). To some, he looks like Eifert, only without the same production and pedigree. The hands are there, but the other parts of his receiving game need work.

9. Nick Kasa, Colorado (6-6, 269). Kasa is an interesting prospect because he offers good natural assets as both a receiver (speed to get downfield) and blocker (strong, willing). It's all about him using his size and mentality to better handle the nuances of the position to which he moved from defensive end just two seasons ago.

10. Michael Williams, Alabama (6-5 3/4, 269). Williams won't provide a lot in the passing game, but as you would expect from an Alabama tight end, he has the size and power to be a good NFL blocker.

11. Mychal Rivera, Tennessee (6-3 1/4, 242). Rivera is an intriguing athlete who flashed some big-play flair when given the chance to be a frequent target for quarterback prospect Tyler Bray. He's a considerable project, but his versatility makes him an ideal third-day flier.

12. Chris Gragg, Arkansas (6-3, 244). Just like Rivera with Bray, Gragg benefited a bit from playing with Tyler Wilson. Gragg is similarly built to Rivera and carries the same versatile attributes. He was the fastest tight end at the Scouting Combine, showing he's rebounded well from a knee injury as a senior.

13. Jake Stoneburner, Ohio State (6-3 3/8, 252). Stoneburner toggled between wide receiver and tight end for the Buckeyes and stood out in the same area—as a reliable pass catcher in key situations. He's a late-round sleeper who needs to land with a team that can find him a position.

14. Philip Lutzenkirchen, Auburn (6-3 1/8, 258). He's not a blazer and has been slowed quite a bit in the offseason by season-ending hip surgery. But as a most productive tight end and H-back at Auburn, he's worth a seventh-round pick or free agent signing.